Our Functional Nutrition Lab

PreviMedica  =  Preventive / Lifestyle Medicine

 (latin: praeventionis → engl. prevention, short “Previ” / latin: medica → engl. medicine)

PreviMedica is a division of Cell Science Systems, Corp. (CSS). CSS is a specialty clinical laboratory and known for its unique cellular based functional (biological) approach, passion for translational science and studies. CSS develops and performs testing in immunology, serology, cell biology, and other specialties such as molecular biology (genetic testing), supporting the personalized treatment and prevention of chronic disease. CSS operates a CLIA-certified laboratory and is an FDA inspected and registered, cGMP and ISO EN13485:2016 certified medical device manufacturer.

Functional Laboratory Testing aimed at personalized nutrition and prevention of chronic inflammation and disorders.

Functional testing is focus on the living cells’ responses and can meet your unique needs. It does not use population average standards used for example for antibody titer measurements. Instead, a baseline is created for each person and substance. During testing, the reaction curve is created, i.e. the agreement or deviation in several degrees from the individual baseline.

The Alcat food sensitivity or intolerance test identifies adverse reactions to dietary items. Especially innate immune cells are a reliable indicators of a pro-inflammatory reaction – they cause, initiate and maintain inflammation.

Immune cells can also be used as a biomarker for the absorption and metabolism of nutrients. The Cellular Nutrition Assay (CNA) shows which nutrients, botanicals, antioxidants etc. are insufficient and which are beneficial for an individual.

The functional nutrition tests can be complimented using indicators or risk assessment for disease processes: Gut Health genetic and antibody biomarkers (CICA) for intestinal complaints or the Telomere Length test to determine the ratio between actual age and the so-called “biological age”. 

Measurement of cellular responses to foods, phytoceuticals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other substances

  • Functional food sensitivity testing at the cellular level shows how your immune cells respond to foods
  • Intolerance to phytoceuticals for compatibility to medicinal herbs and functional foods for diet, supplements, IV’s or herb therapies
  • Intolerance to chemicals: immune reactivity to colorings, preservatives, pharmaceuticals, flavor enhancers, sugar substitutes, or environmental chemicals

Food sensitivity and diet may be associated with:

  • Gastrointestinal complaints: IBS, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, inflammatory bowel disease (4-6)
  • Metabolic function: Overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid dysfunction (6, 27-31)
  • Skin problems: eczema, acne, inflammatory rashes, psoriasis (6-11)
  • Neurological diseases: Migraine, chronic fatigue, depression, unspecific anxiety, ADHD/ADD (5,6, 14-24, 39-45)
  • Joints: Rheumatism, arthritis, aching limbs, fibromyalgia (6, 12, 32)
  • Respiratory complaints: Asthma, chronic stuffy nose, recurrent sinusitis ([6, 9, 10, 12, 25, 26)

There are more than 50 studies on the Alcat Test for Food Sensitivities alone, including double-blinded trials performed at A*** universities such as Yale School of Medicine.  

Cell Science Systems (CSS) was the clear winner of the prestigious Frost & Sullivan Award, which was granted only once in 2016.

These points were particularly highlighted:

  • High quality of customer service 
  • Great patient benefits from lab testing and improvement of symtoms 
  • Scientific approach and ongoing studies

Everybody’s nutritional needs are different. The Cellular Nutrition Assays (CNA) examine how your cells respond to specific nutrients – not just whether you are within “normal population ranges”. 

  • Identify micronutrient insufficiencies: cellular micronutrient status; 55 vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients
  • Cell stress testing: your cells’ ability to resist oxidative stress (redox)
  • Cell Protection testing: particularly beneficial antioxidants for you: 49 antioxidants, botanicals, phytonutrients, anti-inflammatory, nutrients, fatty acids, and enzymes

This test may help with:

  • Providing specific food & supplement recommendations to fill in nutrient gaps
  • Providing a base for customized supplements and I.V.’s
  • Existing and chronic disorders
  • Performance & sports nutrition optimization, anti-aging, weight management
  • Women’s and Men’s health 
  • Improving mental outlook, sleep and increasing energy

The functional sensitivity and nutrition tests can be complimented: 

  • Methyl Detox Profile: Vitamins, minerals, nutrients, coenzymes, and botanicals can only do their job as desired on the basis of functioning methylation. Essential processes of the body to maintain health and self-healing are influenced by methyl groups. If methyl groups are in short supply, the body has difficulty controlling these functions.
  • Telomere Length Test. Monitor your health progress. Telomere length may indicate and predict biological ageing and age-related diseases.
  • Celiac/IBS/Crohn’s screening: The Celiac, IBS, Crohn’s Assay (CICA) uses genetic and antibody biomarkers to better understand your GI conditions, risks, and what to do about it.

Science & studies

Please find below studies references related to our lab test offerings, nutrition and diet.

The Alcat food sensitivity or intolerance test identifies adverse reactions to dietary items. Especially innate immune cells are a reliable indicators of a pro-inflammatory reaction – they cause, initiate and maintain inflammation.

References:

+++ UPDATE: Publications since 2021+++

– Sheba Medical Center, double blinded study on IBS: https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2023/10001/s619_immune_based_personalized_elimination_diet.975.aspx

– Texas team on weight loss: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375605555_Food_Allergen_Elimination_for_Obesity_Reduction_a_Longitudinal_Case-Control_Trial#fullTextFileContent; https://cellsciencesystems.com/pdfs/prediabetes-reduction-from-food-allergen-elimination-2731.pdf 

– B. König et al; Studies of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA released from food allergen-activated neutrophils. Implications for non-IgE food allergy; Allergy Asthma Proc.; 2021 May 1;42(3):e59-e70.doi: 10.2500/aap.2021.42.210021; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33980341/ 

– F. B. Willis et al; Food Allergen Elimination for Obesity Reduction; a Longitudinal, Case-Control Trial; DOI:10.31488/bjg.1000122; https://britishjournalofgastroenterology.com/food-allergen-elimination-for-obesity 

Double-blind studies on the Alcat Test

(1) Ali et al; Efficacy of individualised diets in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised controlled trial; Yale School of Medicine; BMJ Open Gastroenterol. 2017 Sep 20;4(1):e000164. doi: 10.1136/bmjgast-201 (https://bmjopengastro.bmj.com/content/4/1/e000164 )

(2) Garcia-Martinez, I., Weiss, T.R., Yousaf, M.N. et al. A leukocyte activation test identifies food items which induce release of DNA by innate immune peripheral blood leucocytes. Yale School of Medicine; Nutr Metab (Lond) 15, 26 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-018-0260-4

(3) Lukaszuk I.M, Shokrani M, Ghosh Roy P, Hoppensteadt J, and Josephine Umoren; Effects of Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Activation Test-Based Diet on Inflammation, Body Composition, and Medical Symptoms; Northern Illinois University; Alternative and Complementary Therapies VOL. 24, NO. 5; 11 Oct 2018 https://doi.org/10.1089/act.2018.29183.jml

(4) Buck Willis F, Ram Shanmugam, Sarah A Curran. Food Allergen Eliminations for Obesity Reduction: A Comparison Study with Therapeutic Exercise. University of Texas; Food Sci Nutr Res. 2018; 1(1): 1-6.; https://scivisionpub.com/pdfs/food-allergen-eliminations-for-obesity-reduction-a-comparison-study-with-therapeutic-exercise-580.pdf

(5) Michele Di Stefano, Eugenia Vittoria Pesatori, Giulia Francesca Manfredi, Mara De Amici, Giacomo Grandi, Alessandro Gabriele, Davide Iozzi, Giuseppe Di Fede; Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity in patients with severe abdominal pain and bloating: The accuracy of ALCAT 5; University of Pavia; Clin Nutr ESPEN; 2018 Dec;28:127-131. DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.08.017 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30390869/

(6) Pierluigi Pompei, Iolanda Grappasonni, Stefania Scuri, Fabio Petrelli, Enea Traini, Sacha Sorrentino, Giuseppe Di Fede: A Clinical Evidence of a Correlation Between Insulin Resistance and the ALCAT Food Intolerance Test; University of Camerino; Altern Ther Health Med; 2019 Mar;25(2):22-38. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30990791

(7) Pietschmann, N. “Food Intolerance: Immune Activation Through Diet-associated Stimuli in Chronic Disease,” Altern Ther Health Med, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 42-52, 2015 Jul-Aug 2015

(8) “High Correlation of the Alcat Test Results with Double Blind Challenge (DBC) in Food Sensitivity“; Fell, Brostoff & Pasula, Präsentation der Studiendurchführung und Ergebnisse beim 45. Annual Congress of the American College of Allergy and Immunology, Los Angeles vom 12. – 16. November 1988 und anschließend Veröffentlichung in den Annals of Allergy.

(9) “Alcat a new test for food induced problems in medicine?“ Fell et al., Präsentation der Studiendurchführung und Ergebnisse beim Jahrestreffen der American Academy of  Otolaryngic Allergy, Washington DC, 1. Oktober 1988

(10) ”Alcat® – a new cellular test for food sensitivity“; Fell, Brostoff & Soulsby, Präsentation der Studiendurchführung und Ergebnisse beim Jahrestreffen der American In-Vitro Allergy & Immunology Society, August 1990, Toronto, Canada

(11) ”Cellular responses to food in irritable bowel syndrome – an investigation of the Alcat Test“; Fell, Soulsby & Brostoff, Publikation der zusammengefassten Studien-Ergebnisse im Journal of Nutritional Medicine, Vol. 2, Nr. 2, 1991

(12) “Diagnostic Value of Alcat Test in intolerance to food additives compared with double blind placebo controlled (DBPC) oral challenges“ L. Hoj, J Allerg Clin Immun 1 (3); 1996

Reproducibility studies:

(13) “Reproducibility of the Alcat Test”; Studie von Dr. Paul Potter an der Universität Kapstadt, Johannesburg, Südafrika 1994.

(14) “Reproducibility of the Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test (Alcat) – Statistical Analysis, Summary Statistics & Scientific Report“, University of the Range Free State in Bloemfontein, Südafrika, Dr. WML Neetling and Dr. AM Kachelhoffer von Januar – April, 1998.

(15) “Parexel Medstat Final Statistical Report – Study of the Alcat Test in 10 subjects”, Dr. Per Fuglerud, Parexel Norwegen, Nov. 1999

(16) Study Comparing Alcat Test Results With Flow Cytometry and Microscop, Dr. Gitte Jensen, NIS Labs (Natural Immune System) Oregon, USA, 2009

Alcat studies – other

(17) ”Evaluation of Alcat Test Results in the Non-IgE Mediated Pathology of the Skin” DeAmici et al., Studiendurchführung und -bericht der Universität von Pavia, Italien. Presented at the 30th Congress of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 11 – 15 June 2011 – Istanbul, Turkey. (Poster Presentation, Abstract #553)

(18) ”Alcat Test Results in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms” Berardi L. et al., Studiendurchführung und -bericht der Universität von Pavia, Italien. Presented at the 30th Congress of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 11 – 15 June 2011 – Istanbul, Turkey. (Poster Presentation, Abstract #552)

(19) ”Rational management of food intolerance in an elite soccer club” Angelini et al., Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2011, 8(Suppl 1):36

(20) ”Alcat Test Identifies Food Intolerance in Patients with Gastrointestinal Symptoms” Berardi et al., Report of the XXVIII Congress of the European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Supplement 90, Volume 64, 2009, pg. 490.

(21) “Food Intolerance in Patients with Cutaneous Diseases: Diagnostic Value of the Alcat Test” Berardi et al., Report of the XXVIII Congress of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Supplement 90, Volume 64, 2009, pg. 490.

(22) “The Effect of the Alcat Test Diet Therapy for Food Sensitivity in Patients with Obesity” Akmal et al., Middle East Journal of Family Medicine. April 2009 – Vol. 7, Issue 3.

(23) ” IMS Health Economics and Outcomes Research – Influence of Food Intolerance in Migraines: Final Report of Statistical Results” Immunological Center of Cataluna, Version 3, December 28, 2006.

(24) “A Comparison of the Alcat Test for Food Reactions Amongst 2 Population Sub-Groups” Studienpräsentation von Dr. DH Sandberg und Dr. MJ Pasula, 45th Annual Congress of the American College of Allergy and Immunology, Los Angeles, CA: November 12 – 16, 1998, publiziert in den Annals of Allergy.

(25) “The Short Term Efficacy of the Alcat Test of Food Sensitivities to Facilitate Changes in Body Composition and Self-Reported Disease Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Study” Kaats et al. in Am J of Bariatric Med, Spring 1996: 18 – 23.

(26) “El test Alcat de sensibilidad a los alimentos y su interés en Medicina Estética Cabo-Soler JR. Alcuni Particolari Della Dieta In Medicina Estetica (Comments On Diets In Esthetic Medicine)”. Abstract of 14th Med Day of Esthetical Medicine & Dermatological Survey. Venice, Italy, Sep. 22 – 23, 1995. Published in the proceedings.

(27) “Outcome Study in 353 Consecutive Patients Following The Alcat Diet”, Studie von Dr. Lene Hoj in Kopenhagen, Allergy Clinic Charlottenlund, Dänemark 1998. Non-Published.

(28) “Prevalence of food allergy and intolerance in children based on MAST CLA and Alcat Tests” Buczylko et al., Rocz Akad Med Bialymst. 1995; 40(3):452 – 456.

(29) “Alcat Test Results in the Treatment of Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Arthritis, Skin and Central Nervous System” Mylek et al., Rocz Akad Med Bialymst. 1995; 40(3): 625 – 629.

(30) “Food Intolerance in Patients with Angioedema and Chronic Urticaria. An investigation by RAST and Alcat Test Studie von Dr. Lene Hoj, präsentiert beim XVI European Congress of Allergy and Clinical Immunology”, Madrid, Spanien: June 25 – 30, 1995 und publiziert im European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology – Supplement, No. 26, Vol. 50, 1995.

(31) “Multiple Pathogenic Mechanisms in Food Sensitivity Reaction In-Vitro”. Pasula MJ, Puccio SG, 4th International Symposium on Immunological and Clinical Problems of Food Allergy, Milan, Italy. November 5 – 9, 1989. Abstract Symposium Book, pg. 37.

(32) “Influence of Food antigens on Volumes of Circulating White Blood Cells and Platelets Aggregation Studienpräsentation beim 4. Symposium on Immunological and Clinical Problems of Food Allergy”, Mailand, Italien, 5. – 9. November 1989

(33) “The Alcat Test – A Guide and Barometer in the Therapy of Environmental and Food Sensitivities”. Dr. BA Solomon, Environmental Medicine, Vol. 9, Number 2, 1992:2 – 6

(34) “Pilot Study into the Effect of Naturally Occurring Pharmacoactive Agents on the Alcat Test”. Fell, PJ. American Otolaryngic Allergy Association Annual Meeting, September 27, 1991, Kansas City, MO. Published in the proceedings.

(35) “Inhibitory Effect of Sodium Cromoglycate on Granulocyte Response to Food Antigens In-Vitro”. Fell PJ, Sandberg DH, Pasula MJ. 47th Annual meeting of the American College of Allergy & Immunology, November 10 – 14, 1990, San Francisco, CA. Publ. in proceedings.

(36) “Gastrointestinal Complaints Related to Diet”, DH Sandberg, International Pediatrics, Vol. 5 No. 1, 1990:23 – 9.

(37) “South African Outcome Study randomisierte Studie an 274 Patienten”, Dr. Jan Geldenhuys, Johannesburg, Südafrika, 1997

(38) “Allergie alimentari. Tecniche diagnostiche a confronto [Food allergy: comparison of diagnostic techniques]”, Mancini S, Fierimonte V, Iacovoni R, Spaini A, Viarani P, Pichi A., Minerva Pediatr. 1995 May;47(5):159-63 [Italian]

(39). “Technical Study Comparing The Alcat Methodology With Activation Of Granulocytes Following Challenge With Zymosan”. Studie von Dr. Cristina Mele der Universität von Rom.

(40) “Autism – a multidisciplinary approach to treatment”, Kotsanis et al. 1994. Diese Studie wurde unter der Leitung von Dr. Constantine A. Kotsanis durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse wurden auf dem Jahrestreffen der American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy 1994 präsentiert und stehen auf der Webseite des Kotsianis Instituts zur Verfügung. https://www.kotsanisinstitute.com

(41) “Controversial antigen leucocyte cellular antibody test (Alcat): a non specific inhibitory effect of alpha glycoproteins”, Kedryna & Guminska, Med Sci Monit 1999; 5(2):BR193 – 197.

(42) “Ogni intervento comincia a tavola”, Mele Cristina, Medici Oggi, Maggio 2002: 210 – 213

(43) “Evaluation of the cytotoxic food test and the Alcat (antigen leukocyte cellular antibody test)”. Pol Merkuriusz Lek. 1997 Feb;2(8):154 – 9.

(44) “The Alcat Test: in vitro procedure for determining food sensitivities”, Pasula MJ., Folia Med Cracov. 1993; 34(1 –4):153 –7.

(45) “Pharmacoactive Compounds in Foods – The effect on the Alcat Test in Healthy volunteers and patients suffering from Migraine” Fell PJ, Brostoff J, Pasula M. AAOA News 9:2:29.

Immune cells can also be used as a biomarker for the absorption and metabolism of nutrients. The Cellular Nutrition Assay (CNA) shows which nutrients, botanicals, antioxidants etc. are insufficient and which are beneficial for an individual.

References:

[1] Maimonides; medieval philosopher, scholar, and physician

[2] Archibold Garrod, “The Father of Chemical Genetics” in a 1909 lecture at St. Bartholomew’s Hosp. (London) – Author, “Inborn factors of disease” (1931)

[3] Dr. Shuichi Kaminogawa,  Dr.Masanobu Nanno  (Modulation of Immune Functions by Foods, Annals of Oncology, Vol. 1 #3)

[4] https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrient-inadequacies/overview

[5] https://www.fda.gov/food/resourcesforyou/consumers/ucm109760.htm

[6] US Department of Health and Human Services and US Department of Agriculture. 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans December 2015. Available at: https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/. Accessed 4/23/18.

[7] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Overweight & Obesity Statistics. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity. Accessed 8/31/17.

[8] US Preventive Services Task Force, Grossman DC, Bibbins-Domingo K, et al. Screening for obesity in children and adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2017;317(23):2417-2426.  (PubMed)

[9] Kant AK. Consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods by adult Americans: nutritional and health implications. The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72(4):929-936.  (PubMed)

[10] Huskisson E, Maggini S, Ruf M. The role of vitamins and minerals in energy metabolism and well-being. J Int Med Res. 2007;35(3):277-289.  (PubMed)

[11] Angelo G, Drake VJ, Frei B. Efficacy of multivitamin/mineral supplementation to reduce chronic disease risk: a critical review of the evidence from observational studies and randomized controlled trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2015;55(14):1968-1991.  (PubMed)

[12] Miller EM. Iron status and reproduction in US women: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2006. PLoS One. 2014;9(11):e112216.  (PubMed)

[13] Hoy MK, Goldman JD. Potassium intake of the US population: What we eat in America, NHANES 2009-2010. Food Surveys Research Group. Dietary Data Brief No. 10. Sept. 2012

[14] Schleicher RL, Carroll MD, Ford ES, Lacher DA. Serum vitamin C and the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency in the United States: 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;90(5):1252-1263.  (PubMed)

[15] Holick MF, Binkley NC, Bischoff-Ferrari HA, et al. Evaluation, treatment, and prevention of vitamin D deficiency: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(7):1911-1930.  (PubMed)

[16] Ross AC. Vitamin A. In: Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, Tucker KL, Ziegler TR, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2014:260-277.

Methyl Detox Profile: Vitamins, minerals, nutrients, coenzymes, and botanicals can only do their job as desired on the basis of functioning methylation. Essential processes of the body to maintain health and self-healing are influenced by methyl groups. If methyl groups are in short supply, the body has difficulty controlling these functions.

References:

  1. Sharp L, Little J. Polymorphisms in Genes Involved in Folate Metabolism and Colorectal Neoplasia: A HuGE Review. J. Epidemiol. (2004) 159(5):423–443.
  2. Figueiredo JC et al; Global DNA Hypomethylation (LINE-1) in the Normal Colon and Lifestyle Characteristics, Dietary and Genetic Factors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2009 April ; 18(4): 1041-1049
  3. Watkins D, Rosenblatt DS. Update and new concepts in vitamin responsive disorders of folate transport and metabolism J Inherit Metab Dis. 2012 Jul;35(4):665-70.
  4. Jacques PF, Rosenberg IH et al; Serum total homocysteine concentrations in adolescent and adult Americans:results from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Am J Clin Nutr.1999;69:482-489.
  5. Brosnan JT, Jacobs RL, Stead LM, Brosnan ME. Methylation demand: a key determinant of homocysteine metabolism. Acta Biochim Pol. 2004;51:405-413.
  6. Oterino A et al; The relationship between homocysteine and genes of folate-related enzymes in migraine patients. Headache. 2010;50:99-168.
  7. Papatheodorou L, Weiss N. Vascular oxidant stress and inflammation in hyperhomocysteinemia. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2007;9:1941-1958.
  8. Osanai T, Fujiwara N, Sasaki S, Metoki N, Saitoh G, Tomita H, Nishimura T, Shibutani S, Yokoyama H, Konta Y, Magota K, Okumura K.Novel pro-atherogenic molecule coupling factor 6 is elevated in patients With stroke: a possible linkage to homocysteine. Ann Med. 2010;42:79-86.
  9. Seshadri, N., Robinson, K. Homocysteine and coronary risk, Curr Cardiol Rep 1999; 1, 91-98.
  10. Vasan RS, Beiser A, D’Agostino RB, Levy D, Selhub J, Jacques PF, Rosenberg IH, Wilson PW. Plasma homocysteine and risk for congestive heart failure in adults without prior myocardial infarction. 2003;289:1251-1257.
  11. Kurth T, Ridker PM, Buring JE. Migraine and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in women. 2008;28:49-56.
  12. Seshadri S, Beiser A, Selhub J, Jacques PF, Rosenberg IH, D’Agostino RB, Wilson PW, Wolf PA. Plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. N Engl J Med. 2002 Feb 14;346(7):476-83.
  13. Plassman BL, Langa KM, Fisher GG, Heeringa SG, Weir DR, Ofstedal MB, Burke JR, Hurd MD, Potter GG, Rodgers WL, Steffens DC, McArdle JJ, Willis RJ, Wallace RB.Prevalence of cognitive impairment without dementia in the United States. Ann Intern Med. 2008;148:427-434
  14. Lee SH et al; Hyperhomocysteinemia due to levodopa treatment as a risk factor for osteoporosis in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Calcif Tissue Int. 2010;86:132-141.
  15. Rochtchina E1, Wang JJ, Flood VM, Mitchell P. Elevated serum homocysteine, low serum vitamin B12, folate, and age-related macular degeneration: the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2007;143:344-346.
  16. Christen WG, Glynn RJ, Chew EY, Albert CM, Manson JE. Folic acid, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin combination treatment and age-related macular degeneration in women: the Women’s Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169:335-341.
  17. Haagsma CJ et al; Influence of sulphasalazine, methotrexate, and the combination of both on plasma homocysteine concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis.1999;58:79-84.
  18. Desouza C et al; Drugs affecting homocysteine metabolism: impact on cardiovascular risk. Drugs. 2002;62:605-616.
  19. Foucher C, Brugère L, Ansquer JC. Fenofibrate, homocysteine, and renal function. Curr Vasc Pharmacol. 2010;8:589-603.
  20. Cavalieri EL et al; Catechol ortho-quinones: the electrophilic compounds that form depurinating DNA adducts and could initiate cancer and other diseases. Carcinogenesis. 2002 Jun;23(6):1071-7.
  21. Yager JD. Catechol-O-methyltransferase: characteristics, polymorphisms, and role in breast cancer. Drug Discov Today Dis Mech. 12 June1; 9(1-2).
  22. Brustolin S, Giuglian R, et al. Genetics of homocysteine metabolism and associated disorders. Braz J Med. Biol Res. 2010 January ; 43(1): 1–7.
  23. Bautista LE, Arenas IA, Peñuela A, Martínez LX. Total plasma homocysteine level and risk of cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. J Clin Epidemiol. 2002 Sep;55(9):8827
  24. Meleady R, Ueland PM, Bloom H et al.: Thermolabile methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, homocysteine, and cardiovascular disease risk: The European Concerted Action Project. Am J Clin Nutr 2003; 77: 63–70.
  25. Gokcen C1, Kocak N, Pekgor A. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Int J Med Sci. 2011;8(7):523-8.
  26. Sener EF, Oztop DB, Ozkul Y. MTHFR Gene C677T Polymorphism in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Genet Res Int. 2014;2014:698574.
  27. Beydoun MA et al; Serum nutritional biomarkers and their associations with sleep among US adults in recent national surveys. PLoS One. 2014 Aug 19;9(8):e103490.
  28. Regland B, Forsmark S et al; Response to vitamin B12 and folic acid in myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia. PLoS One. 2015 Apr 22;10(4):e0124648.
  29. Di Renzo L et al; C677T gene polymorphism of MTHFR and metabolic syndrome: response to dietary intervention. J Transl Med. 2014 Nov 29;12(1):329.
  30. Kang SS et al; Intermediate homocysteinemia: a thermolabile variant of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Am J Hum Genet. 1988 Oct;43(4):414-21.
  31. Tonstad F, Refsum H, et al. The C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene predisposes to hyperhomocysteinemia in children with familial hypercholesterolemia treated with cholestyramine. J Pediatr. 1998;132: 365-368.
  32. Wilcken B, Bamforth F, Li Z, et al. Geographical and ethnic variation of the 677C>T allele of 5,10 methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR): findings from over 7000 newborns from 16 areas world wide. J Med Genet. 2003;40(8):619-625.
  33. Lea R, Colson N, et al. The effects of vitamin supplementation and MTHFR (C677T) genotype on homocysteine-lowering and migraine disability. Pharmacogenet Genomics. 2009;19:422-428.
  34. Yan L, Zhao L, Long Y, et al. Association of the maternal MTHFR C677T polymorphism with susceptibility to neural tube defects in offsprings: evidence from 25 case-control studies. PLoS One. 2012;7(10):e41689.
  35. Yin M, Dong L, Zheng J, Zhang H, Liu J, Xu Z. Meta analysis of the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the risk of congenital heart defects. Ann Hum Genet. 2012;76(1):9-16.
  36. Ocal IT, Sadeghi A, Press RD. Risk of venous thrombosis in carriers of a common mutation in the homocysteine regulatory enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Mol Diagn 1997; 2: 61–68.
  37. Nelen WL, Blom HJ et al; Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism affects the change in homocysteine and folate concentrations resulting from low dose folic acid supplementation in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriages. J Nutr. 1998 Aug;128(8):1336-41.
  38. Kelly PJ, Rosand J et al; Homocysteine, MTHFR 677C— >T polymorphism, and risk of ischemic stroke: results of a meta-analysis. Neurology. 2002 Aug 27;59(4):529-36.
  39. Ulvik A, Ueland PM et al: Functional inference of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C > T and 1298A > C polymorphisms from a large-scale epidemiological study. Hum Genet. 2007 Mar;121(1):57-64.
  40. Watkins D, Ru M, Rosenblatt DS et al. Hyperhomocysteinemia due to Methionine Synthase Deficiency, cblG: Structure of the MTR Gene, Genotype Diversity, and Recognition of a Common Mutation, P1173L. Am J Hum Genet. 2002 Jul;71(1):143-53.
  41. Männistö PT, Kaakkola S. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT): Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, and Clinical Efficacy of the New Selective COMT Inhibitors. Pharmacological Reviews December 1, 1999 vol. 51 no. 4 593-628.
  42. Dawling S et al; Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT)-mediated Metabolism of Catechol Estrogens Comparison of Wild-Type and Variant COMT Isoforms. Cancer Res Sept 15, 2001 61; 6716.
  43. Shield AJ, Thomae BA, Eckloff BW, Wieben ED, Weinshilboum RM. Human catechol O-methyltransferase genetic variation: gene resequencing and functional characterization of variant allozymes. Molecular Psychiatry (2004) 9, 151–160
  44. Åberg E, Fandiño-Losada A et al: The functional Val158Met polymorphism in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is assoc. with depression and motivation in men from a Swedish population-based study. J Affect Disord. 2011 Mar;129(1-3):158-66.
  45. Htun NC, Miyaki K et al; Association of the catechol-O-methyl transferase gene Val158Met polymorphism with blood pressure and prevalence of hypertension: interaction with dietary energy intake. Am J Hypertens. 2011 Sep;24(9):1022-6.
  46. Schalinske KL, Smazal AL. Homocysteine Imbalance: a Pathological Metabolic Marker. Adv Nutr Nov. 2012 Adv Nutr vol. 3: 755-762, 2012.
  47. Ziegler DA, Ashourian P, Wonderlick JS, Sarokhan AK, Prelec D, Scherzer CR, Corkin S. Motor impulsivity in Parkinson disease: assoc. with COMT and DRD2 polymorphisms. Scand J Psychol. 2014 Jun;55(3):278-86.

Telomere Length Test. Monitor your health progress. Telomere length may indicate and predict biological ageing and age-related diseases.

References:

Rivero G et al. Telomerase deficiency promotes oxidative stress by reducing catalase activity. Free Radic. Biol. Med. 2008. 45(9):1243-51.

  1. Cawthon RM, Smith KR, O’Brien E, Sivatchenko A, Kerber RA. Association between telomere length in blood and mortality in people aged 60 years or older. Lancet. 2003 Feb 1;361(9355):393-5.
  2. García CK et al. Human diseases of telomerase dysfunction: insights into tissue aging. Nucleic. Acid Res. 2007. 35(22):7406-7416.
  3. Epel ES et al. The rate of leukocyte telomere shortening predicts mortality from cardiovascular disease in elderly men. Aging. 2009. 1(1):81-88.
  4. Donate LE et al. Telomeres in cancer and ageing. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. 2011. B 366,76-84.
  5. Njajou OT et al. Shorter telomeres are associated with obesity and weight gain in the elderly. Int J Obes (Lond). 2011.
  6. Von Zglinikci T et al. Telomeres as biomarkers for ageing and age-related diseases. Curr. Mol. Med. 2005. 5(2):197-203.
  7. Martin-Ruiz CM, von Zglinicki et al; Reproducibility of telomere length assessment: an international collaborative study. Int J Epidemiol. 2014. pii: dyu191.
  8. Svenson U et al. Breast cancer survival is associated with telomere length in peripheral blood cells. Cancer Res. 2008. 68(10):3618-3623.
  9. Willeit P et al. Cellular aging reflected by leukocyte telomere length predicts advanced atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease risk. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2010. 30(8):1649-56.
  10. Panossian LA et al. Telomere shortening in T cells correlates with Alzheimer´s disease status. Neurobiol. Aging 2003. 24(1):77-84.
  11. Simon NM et al. Telomere shortening and mood disorders: preliminary support for a chronic stress model of accelerated aging. Biol. Psychiatry 2006. 60(5):432-435.
  12. Kuhlow D et al. Telomerase deficiency impairs glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. Aging (Albany NY). 2010. 2(10):650-8.
  13. Samani NJ et al. Biological ageing and cardiovascular disease. Heart 2008. 94(5):537-539.
  14. Wang YY et al. Association of shorter mean telomere length with large artery stiffness in patients with coronary heart disease. Aging Male. 2011.14(1):27-32.
  15. Tang N L et al. The effect of telomere length, a marker of biological aging, on bone mineral density in elderly population. Osteoporos Int. 2010. 21(1):89-97.
  16. Harbo M et al. The distribution pattern of critically short telomeres in human osteoarthritic knees. Arthritis Res Ther. 2012.18;14(1):R12.
  17. Hoare M et al. CD4+ T-lymphocyte telomere length is related to fibrosis stage, clinical outcome and treatment response in chronic hepatitis C virus infection. J Hepatol. 2010. 53(2):252-60

Celiac/IBS/Crohn’s screening: The Celiac, IBS, Crohn’s Assay (CICA) uses genetic and antibody biomarkers to better understand your GI conditions, risks, and what to do about it.

References:

Megiorni F, Mora B, Bonamico M, Barbato M, Nenna R, et al: HLA-DQ and risk gradient for celiac disease. Hum Immunol 2009, 70:55-59.

  1. Pelkowski TD, Viera AJ: Celiac Disease:Diagnosis and Management. Am Fam Phys 2014:89(2) 99-105
  2. Rubio-Tapia A, et al:ACG Clinical Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease. AM J Gastro 2013:108(5) 656-76.
  3. Green PH, Cellier C: Celiac disease. N Engl J Med 2007;357:1731-1743
  4. Sandborn WJ, Loftus EV Jr, Homburger HA, et al: Evaluation of serological disease markers in a population-based cohort of patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2001 Aug;7(3):192-201
  5. Loftus EV Jr. Clinical epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease: Incidence, prevalence, and environmental influences. Gastroenterology. 2004 May;126(6):1504-17.
  6. Gasbarrini GB and Mangiola F. Wheat-related disorders: A broad spectrum of ‘evolving’ diseases. United European Gastroenterol J. Aug 2014; 2(4): 254–262.
  7. Zholudev A, Zurakowski D, Young W, Leichtner A and Bousvaros A. Serologic Testing with ANCA, ASCA, and Anti-OmpC in Children and Young Adults with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Diagnostic Value and Correlation with Disease Phenotype Diagnostic Value and Correlation with Disease Phenotype. The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2004; 99:2235-2241.
  8. Forcione DG, Rosen MJ, Kisiel JB, Sands BE. Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) positivity is associated with increased risk for early surgery in Crohn’s disease. Gut. 2004 Aug;53(8):1117-22.
  9. Kappelman MD, Rifas-Shiman SL, Kleinman K, Ollendorf D, Bousvaros A, Grand RJ, Finkelstein JA. The prevalence and geographic distribution of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in the United States. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2007; 5:1424-9.
  10. Lammers KM et al. Gliadin induces an increase in intestinal permeability and zonulin release by binding to the chemokine receptor CXCR3. Gastroenterology, 2008. 135(1): p. 194-204 e3.
  11. Clemente MG et al. Early effects of gliadin on enterocyte intracellular signaling involved in intestinal barrier function. Gut, 2003. 52(2): p. 218-23.
  12. Gibson PR and Shepherd SJ. Evidence-based dietary management of functional gastrointestinal symptoms: The FODMAP approach. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 25 (2010) 252– 258.
0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
    Continue Shopping